Veterans: dial carefully to avoid this scam

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

This scam exploits the Veterans Choice Program, a government initiative that allows some vets to use health care providers outside the VA system. The program has a toll-free telephone number that vets and their families can use to check their eligibility. Crooks have set up a telephone number that is almost identical, which they are publicizing in a letter to veterans.

Vets who call the fake number are told they are entitled to a rebate if they provide a credit card number. There’s no rebate, but charges will be made against the credit card account. The family of a North Carolina veteran received the letter and contacted our office about this scam. Fortunately they did not fall for it.

Scammers commonly utilize look-alikes (logos and fonts that are similar to those used by real companies, agencies, and charities) and sound-alikes (names that are similar to the real thing) to trick us. In this instance, the “hook” is a telephone number that is very close to the actual number.

Don’t let scammers claim a victory at your expense. If you are a vet, or you are helping a vet access health care, remember:

Dial carefully. The REAL Veterans Choice Program number is 866-606-8198.